It sounds like the State of Mississippi has a real deer herd population problem. Speaking from the State of Wisconsin that had a similar deer herd population problem, Mississippi is looking for ways to lower the population and do it real fast. I am sure that is the reason for the introduction of a 45/70 government being allowed into their primitive season.

What were the requirement of the primitive season before these new decisions were made? I mean, what was and was not allowed? I think what is sticking in the minds of some of us forum members is the word primitive. When many of us think primitive, we think in terms of the flintlocks, and early model sidelock percussion caps. It is apparent that Mississippi on the other had has a different idea of how the term primitive is used. And that's fine as long as that deer herd is reduced. The State will regulate their deer herd and hunting requirements in any way they see fit.

Wisconsin as many people know suffered a severe outbreak of Chronic Waste Disease a.k.a. CWD. The disease has been spreading to different parts of the State and increasing in size the number of counties effect every year. If you have ever seen a deer with the suspected disease, it is not a pretty sight. Our StateDepartment of Natural Resourceshas tried to blame this outbreak on everything from people importing out of State animals to some Sports Hunting Ranches for herd improvement, to large numbers of deer populations that live and interact in close proximity, to about anything else they can think of. I think Mississippi is trying to nip their herd population problem in the bud before it really is, a problem. It also sounds like they are basing the requirements of the weapons being allowed during this hunt on the velocity of the rifles and the number of rounds they can fire. I am not sure on this point.

As for the direction of the thread turning to Smokeless rifles and other such rifles, I think it is getting off line of the reason for the thread.I see no benefit of rehashing something that people have an opinion on and refuse to change their mind. It benefits no one and only causes hard feelings in some cases on the forum... use what you like. I am not competing with anyone out there. Just my two cents.